Adjustable connector for excavator tool attachment

ABSTRACT

An adjustable coupling connector apparatus for accommodating a range of mating excavator couplers. The connector apparatus includes two parallel bars upon which an excavator coupler clamps. One of the bars is fixed in position to risers extending from a connector base. Each end of the other bar is attached to a point off center of a circular plate so that as the plate is rotated, the bar moves laterally relative to the bar axis. The plates are rotatably positioned in holes in the risers, and captivating side plates are welded to the risers for covering a portion of each plate, securing the plates from movement parallel to its axis but allowing the plate to rotate. Holes in the circular plates and side plates are provided, and a bolt is placed through each of the side plates and circular plates for securing each circular plate in a fixed position.

[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 09/277,467 filed Mar. 26, 1999, the disclosure ofwhich is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates generally to trench digging andpipe laying equipment, and more particularly to an adjustable couplingconnector for use in attaching equipment to an excavator, wherein theequipment includes a pipe laying tool and a compaction wheel.

[0004] 2. Brief Description of the Prior Art

[0005] The process of laying sections of pipe for an underground pipeline involves first digging a trench to the required depth with a shovelattached to an excavator. The shovel is then removed from the excavatorand a pipe laying tool is attached to the excavator for lowering thepipe into the trench. The pipe laying tool is then removed from theexcavator and replaced with a shovel for use in depositing the requiredfiller over the pipe. The shovel is then removed and a compaction wheelis attached for compacting the filler. Various methods of attaching theshovel, compaction wheel and pipe laying tool to the excavator are used.At the present time there is no standard connector for attaching toolsto an excavator. If the excavator can accommodate the compaction wheelbut not the pipe laying tool, the pipe may be secured to an end of anarm or boom of the excavator with chains and chokers. A disadvantage ofthis method is that it is necessary to place a worker in the trench toguide the newly lowered section of pipe into contact with a previouslyinstalled section. The worker must also disengage the chains, etc. fromthe pipe. The task of manipulating the pipe in the trench is not withoutsome hazard, due in part to the weight of the pipe and excavator arm. Indeep trenches, the additional hazard of possible collapse of the trenchwalls must be carefully guarded against for the safety of the trenchworker. In cases where there is danger of wall collapse, shoring isoften put up in place to support the soil. The shoring must then beremoved and reinstalled for the process of laying the next section orsections of pipe, etc.

[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 5,323,502 by Recker describes an apparatus designedto lay pipe with an excavator without the need for a worker in thetrench. A horizontally positioned arm 78 is suspended from the workingend of an excavator boom assembly, attached with a rotary coupler 76(FIG. 2 and col. 3, lines 3-32). In order to avoid the need for a workerin the trench to apply pipe sealant, a sealant is forced through therotary coupler and sprayed from the end of the horizontal arm. Theapparatus as described has some disadvantages and is not in common use.The rotary couple with conduit is not a standard quick coupler, andrequires special modification of the excavator. Connecting thehorizontal arm 78 and conduit requires a second worker, or alternativelythe excavator operator has to leave the cab to manually perform theoperation. Positioning the arm 78 and support beam 80 in the process ofconnecting the tool to the excavator arm assembly is also a problem dueto the weight of the tool, and the fact that without other support, thetool could only lay on the ground, 90 degrees disoriented, requiring anoperator, probably with additional equipment to lift it into positionfor connecting to the excavator coupling device 70. In addition, therotary connection 76 is not durable enough to withstand repeated use, orrigid enough to allow undesired rotation of a pipe placed on the arm 78.For example, a typical eight foot section of 54 inch diameter concretepipe weighs about 1,370 pounds per foot, or a total of 10,960 pounds. Amuch more rigid and strong connection is required for practical use.

[0007] It is apparent that an improved tool and method of laying pipe isneeded that keeps workers out of the pipe trench, and that is robust andcan be used with a standard excavator arm quick coupling device. It isalso apparent that a coupling device is needed that can accommodate arange of different excavator coupling apparatus.

SUMMARY

[0008] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide aconnector that can be adjusted for a range of sizes of excavatorcoupling apparatus.

[0009] It is an object of the present invention to provide a tool foruse in lowering a section of pipe into a trench that avoids the use ofchains and chokers that must be removed by a trench worker.

[0010] It is another object of the present invention to provide a toolfor laying pipe that is rugged in construction and that can be attachedto the working end of an excavator boom assembly by an excavatoroperator without leaving the excavator cab.

[0011] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a toolthat facilitates the joining of pipe sections without the need for atrench worker.

[0012] Briefly, a preferred embodiment of the present invention includesan adjustable connector for accommodating a range of mating excavatorcouplers. The adjustable connector includes two parallel bars to whichthe excavator coupler clamps. One of the bars is fixed in position torisers extending from a connector base. Each end of the other bar isattached to a point off center of a circular plate so that as the plateis rotated, the bar moves laterally relative to the bar axis. The platesare rotatably positioned in holes in the risers, and captivating sideplates are welded to the risers for covering a portion of each plate,securing the plates from movement parallel to its axis but allowing theplate to rotate. Holes in the circular plates and side plates areprovided, and a bolt is placed through each of the side plates andcircular plates for securing each circular plate in a fixed position.

[0013] An advantage of the adjustable connector apparatus of the presentinvention is that it can accommodate a range of excavator coupler sizes.

[0014] An advantage of the tool of the present invention is that itallows a pipe to be positioned in a trench with improved accuracy.

[0015] A further advantage of the tool of the present invention is thatit allows a pipe supported by the tool to be joined to another pipe in atrench without the need for a trench worker.

[0016] A still further advantage of the present invention is that itreduces worker injury by avoiding the need for a worker in the trenchduring the pipe laying operation.

[0017] Another advantage of the present invention is that it provides apipe laying tool that is self supporting, and does not require anexcavator operator to leave the excavator cab to connect the tool.

IN THE DRAWING

[0018]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the pipe laying tool of thepresent invention;

[0019]FIG. 2 shows an absorptive buffer mounted to a riser;

[0020]FIG. 3 illustrates the use of the tool to place a pipe in thetrench;

[0021]FIG. 4 illustrates the use of the tool in combination with anexcavator and positioning device for laying a section of pipe in atrench;

[0022]FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a preferred construction of thecoupling connector of FIG. 1 indicating enhanced side support for theconnector loops;

[0023]FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an adjustable quick couplingconnector;

[0024]FIG. 7 is a top planar view of the adjustable connector of FIG. 6;

[0025]FIG. 8a is a planar view of the riser plates of the adjustableconnector of FIG. 6;

[0026]FIG. 8b is a planar view of the circular end plates of FIG. 6;

[0027]FIG. 8c is a planar view of the side plates of FIG. 6; and

[0028]FIG. 9 shows a connector in use with a compaction wheel attachedto an excavator.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0029] The preferred embodiment of the pipe laying tool 10 of thepresent invention is shown in the perspective views of FIGS. 1 and 2.Referring to FIG. 1, the tool 10 has a proximal end 12, to which isattached a horizontal tool arm 14 extending horizontally in operation toa distal end 16. The arm 14 is connected at the proximal end of the toolto a vertical riser 18, in turn attached to a coupling assembly 20. Alateral support 22 allows the tool 10 to stand unsupported, facilitatingthe process of connecting the tool to a working end of an excavator arm.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 1, the arm 14 includes a length 24 of 4×4inch×0.5 inch rectangular tubing about 6 feet long. The length can belonger or shorter depending on the length of pipe to be installed.Optionally, as an alternative embodiment, a pipe extension 26 isincluded in the tool 10. The extension has a reduced size section 28 forinsertion in the hollow center 30 of tube 24 for use in accommodatingsomewhat longer pipe. A 1.25×2.0 inch bar 342 is welded to the bottom ofthe tube 24 for increased strength, and extends over the majority of thearm 14 length to the lateral support 22 including a stabilization bar34, constructed from a 30 inch length of 2.0×2.0×0.25 inch wall tubing.The riser 18 is similarly constructed from a 28 inch length of 4×4×0.5inch tubing 36, braced with a 34 inch long piece of 0.75×5.0 inch flatbar 38.

[0031] A support bar 40 of 4×4×0.5 inch tubing by 51.5 inches long iswelded to the top end of tube 36, and provides strength to the couplingassembly 20. A 1.5 inch thick support plate 42, measuring about 24inches wide by 27 inches long is welded to the tube 40. The assembly 20includes a coupling connector 44 with a connector plate 46 secured tosupport plate 42 with bolts 48 or by welding, and supports 50 forpositioning coupling bars 52 and 54.

[0032] The various elements 24, 34, 36, 40, and 42 described above arewelded together along with triangular support members 56, 58, 60, 62 forstrength. Similarly, triangular support members 64, 66, 68 and 70, shownin FIG. 3, and corresponding supports on the opposite side of tube 40are welded between plate 42 and tube 40, and between tube 40 and tube 36as show in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3. A laser receiver 124 and pole 126 are shownmounted to plate 42. The function of this apparatus will be fullyexplained in the following description in reference to FIG. 4.

[0033] In order to minimize the probability of damaging the pipe whileapplying horizontally directed force to engage one section of pipe withanother, an absorptive bumper 72 is attached to the riser tube 36 facingthe distal end 16. The bumper apparatus is illustrated in section A ofFIG. 2. The bumper 72 preferably includes a 2×4 inch board 74 attachedto riser tube 36 with bolts 76, countersunk into the board 74 as shownin FIG. 2. In order to further cushion the end of the pipe, a rubbersheet 78 is placed over the board 74 as shown in FIG. 2. The sheet 78 isbolted to two plates 80, 82 welded with one on each side of riser tube36. The bumper assembly, including plates 80 and 82 are part of the toolof FIG. 1, but now shown in that figure for the purpose of clarity ofillustration.

[0034] Alternative construction methods and materials will be apparentto those skilled in the art, and these are included in the spirit of thepresent invention. For example, the rectangular tubes shown in FIGS. 1and 2 could be constructed from round tubing or I-beam shaped material.The supports to be described could alternatively be tubular lengths ofmaterial, or even omitted if enough strength is otherwise designed intothe structure. The coupling assembly 20 could include a single pieceplatform welded to the riser 18.

[0035] Referring now to FIG. 3, the tool 10 is shown with the connector44 engaged with a corresponding mating connector 84 attached to theworking end 86 of excavator 88 arm assembly 90. In operation, the tool10 is attached to the working end 86 of excavator 88. Any time prior tomoving a section of pipe such as 92 (dashed lines) into the trench 94 asshown in FIG. 3, a gasket 96 is placed on the pipe spigot end 112. Theexcavator 88 is then operated to insert the tool arm 14 inside thelength of pipe 92 as it lays outside the trench 94. FIG. 3 then showsthe pipe 92 at position 104, being lowered down into the trench 94.Lowering and positioning of the pipe 92 continues until the pipe 92 isin alignment with a previously laid section of pipe, such as 106 on thebottom 108 of the trench 94. The positioning then includes joining thepipe section 92 to the previously laid section of pipe 106. The bumper72 provides a cushioned contact against the end 98 of pipe 92 as the end112 of pipe 923 is inserted into the adjoining end 114 of pipe 106.

[0036] Referring to FIG. 4, according to the preferred embodiment of themethod and apparatus of the present invention, the tool 10 isaccompanied by a laser positioning apparatus 116. An example of such anapparatus is a device called a Depth Master, manufactured by a companyknown as Laser Alignment. The apparatus includes a laser transmitter 118positioned a distance D1 above surface 120 and adjusted to transmit areference laser beam 122 at the required slope B. A laser receiver 124is slideably attached to a pole 126 shown attached to the tool 10 plate42.

[0037] The transmitter 118 has a light 128 that turns on when the beam122 is intercepted by the receiver 124 detector 130. If the detector 130is below the line 122, a light 134 turns on, and if the detector isabove the beam 122, light 136 turns on. In operation, the transmitter118 is adjusted so that the beam 122 is at an angle B equal to thedesired slope of the pipe and trench bottom 108. FIG. 4 shows apreferred method of adjusting the receiver 124 position on the pole 126so that when pipe 92 arrives at the proper depth, the light 128 goes on.This is done by lowering a section of pipe 100 into the trench 94 untilthe pipe 100 just contacts the bottom 108. The receiver 124 is thenpositioned on the pole 126 so that beam 122 is intercepted by thereceiver detector 130. The excavator and tool are then used to lay pipeas follows: Assume pipe 100 is laid in position as shown and a secondpipe section is picked up by the tool 10. The excavator is backed upwith the second pipe so that when it is lowered it will clear pipe 100.It is then lowered into the trench until the light 128 goes on. Theexcavator then moves forward with the second pipe, adjusting as requiredto keep the light 128 on, assuring that the second pipe is in alignmentwith pipe 100, and allowing the second pipe to join properly with pipe100. In other words, the distance from the beam to the bottom of thetrench is a constant, and the depth measurement equipment assures thatthe pipe is at that depth when the excavator operator attempts to jointhe two pipe sections together. The transmitter 118 has a second set oflights 140 that gives the operator a visual indication of the verticalalignment of the receiver 124 and therefore pole 126. As used in thepresent invention, this vertical alignment indicator 140 indicates to anexcavator operator whether or not a pipe being held by the tool 100 isin a horizontal, or near horizontal position since the slope B isgenerally very small, as required for proper mating with a previouslylaid section of pipe.

[0038] Other depth measuring apparatus are also included in the spiritof the present invention. For example, an apparatus using encoders isavailable. The position of the tool arm 12 relative to a reference suchas ground level 108 is determined by the position detection apparatuswhich includes a processor and monitor for calculating and displayingthe position. The calculation is based on signals received from encoderslocated on the excavator boom assembly to detect the assembly position.The encoders and position monitoring equipment are currently known inthe art and applied for positioning shovels mounted on the working endof an excavator arm assembly. The technology of depth detection can beapplied to the positioning of a section of pipe as explained above. Itis apparent then, that those skilled in the art will know how to applythe technology to measure the depth of the pipe according to the presentinvention after reading the present disclosure, and a detaileddescription of the prior art apparatus and how it is used is thereforenot included.

[0039]FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a coupling connector 140 with tworods 142 and 144 forming loops 146 and 148 with the base 150 and sidesupports 152 and 154, similar to the structure shown in FIG. 1, etc.except that the supports 50 of FIG. 1 are interconnected with addedsupport material 156 and 158 in FIG. 5.

[0040]FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an adjustable coupling connector160. Parallel side supports 162 and 164 are attached to a base 166,preferably by welding, and at one end 169 support the ends 163 and 165of a first rod 168 above the base 166. The ends 163 and 165 arepreferably welded to the corresponding supports 164 and 162. The rod 168with supports 162 and 164 and base 166 form a loop 170, allowingengagement with a corresponding coupling member of an excavator. Anadjustable assembly 172 is positioned near a second end 174 of thesupports 162 and 164, allowing a second rod 176 to be adjustable inposition relative to the first rod 168 and thereby allowingaccommodation of various excavator coupling apparatus. The second rod176 is suspended over the base 166 by supports 162 and 164 forming asecond loop 178, and together with rod 168 provide engagement with thecoupling apparatus of an excavator. The adjustable assembly 172 includesthe rod 176 mounted (preferably welded) at each rod end 184 and 186 tocircular plates 180 and 182. The rod ends 184 and 186 are attached tocorresponding plates 180 and 182 at a point that is off of the center ofeach plate so as to provide lateral movement i.e., movement relative torod 168 as the circular plates 180 and 182 are rotated.

[0041] Circular plates 180 and 182 are mounted in corresponding circularholes 188 and 190 respectively that are formed in the support plates 164and 162. The sub-assembly including rod 176 and circular plates 180 and182 is held in position along the direction of the rod axis 192 by sideplates 194, 196, 198 and 200, attached (preferably welded) to thesupports 162 and 164. Side plates 194 and 198 are not visible in theperspective view of FIG. 6, but are shown in the planar top view of FIG.7. The circular plates 180 and 182, and the side plates 194-200 all haveholes. Holes 202 in side plates 196 and 200 are visible in the view ofFIG. 6. The holes in the circular plates are shown in FIG. 8b. Becausethe rod 176 is mounted off of the center of circular plates 180 and 182,as the plates are rotated the rod 176 moves in an arc, toward or awayfrom rod 168 as well as moving in a vertical direction. In order toadjust the distance between rods 168 and 176, the circular plates 180and 182 are rotated. The holes in the circular plates 180 and 182 andthe holes in the side plates 194-200 are configured/positioned so thatthe rod 168 to rod 176 spacing can be selected by aligning specificselected holes in plates 180 and 182 with specific holes in side plates194-200. A bolt is then inserted through the aligned holes in order tosecure the position of rod 176. This operation will be described inreference to FIGS. 8a-8 c for a specific set of parameters as anexample. The present invention includes any set ofparameters/dimensions, and also includes other constructions for varyingthe spacing between rods 168 and 176 that will be apparent to thoseskilled in the art from reading the present disclosure. The bolts forsecuring the position are not shown in FIG. 6, but are shown in FIG. 7.

[0042]FIG. 7 is a planar top view of the adjustable connector 160 ofFIG. 6. FIG. 7 shows the side plates 194, 196, 198 and 200 fillycaptivating the circular plates 180 and 182 from movement in thedirection of the axis 192 of the rod 176. Rotational movement of thecircular plates 180 and 182 is prevented when they are in a desiredposition with at least one hole in each of the circular plates 180 and182 lining up with a corresponding hole in each of the plates 194, 196,198 and 200, by insertion of bolts 202 and 204 through the lined-upholes in the circular plates 180 and 182 with the selected holes in sideplates 194, 196, 198 and 200. The bolts 202 and 204 are secured by nuts206 and 208. Other methods and apparatus for securing the circularplates 180 and 182 will be apparent to those skilled in the art, andthese are also included in the spirit of the present invention. Also,other methods and apparatus for adjustably positioning two rods relativeto each other will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon readingthe present disclosure, and these are also to be included in the spiritof the present invention.

[0043] Detailed dimensions of a preferred embodiment of a support plate162 and 164, circular plates 180 and 182, and side plates 194-200 areshown in the planar view of FIGS. 8a, 8 b and 8 c. In FIG. 8a, hole 210is machined to accept a dimension of the rod 168. Hole 212 isdimensioned to slideably receive the circular plate such as plates 180and 182, and as illustrated plate 214 of FIG. 8b.

[0044] In FIG. 8b, the plate 214 has a hole 215 for acceptance of oneend of rod 176 to which it is preferably welded. Holes 216, 218 and 220are dimensioned for passage of a bolt such as bolt 202 or 204. Thelocations of holes 216, 218 and 220 are designed to place the rod 176 adesired distance from rod 168 when aligned with a corresponding locationof a specific one of holes 222, 224, 226 or 228 in the side plate 230 ofFIG. 8c. The use of a plurality of holes such as 216-220 in the circularplate 214 and a plurality of holes in the side plate 230 allows theholes in the side plate, for example, to be spaced further apart thanwhat would be required if only one hole was used in the circular plate214 in order to achieve the range of adjustability required. The largerspacing of holes results in a connector with superior strength, which isan important factor in a connector which must handle very heavy loads.With hole 216 of circular plate 214 in alignment with hole 222 of plate230, the spacing between rods 168 and 176 is 18 inches. With hole 218 inalignment with hole 224 the spacing is 19 inches. With hole 218 inalignment with hole 226 the spacing is 17½ inches, and with hole 220aligned with hold 228, the spacing is 18¾ inches.

[0045] The connector of FIGS. 6 and 7 can be used with any of variousheavy equipment requiring coupling to a tool. In particular, theconnector of FIGS. 6-8 can be used as illustrated in FIG. 1 for couplingto a pipe laying tool. FIG. 9 shows the connector 160 providing couplingbetween an excavator 232 and a compaction wheel 234. The connector 160can also connect to a pipe laying tool such as to the support plate 42of the tool shown in FIG. 1 instead of the compaction wheel 234.

[0046] Although the present invention has been described above in termsof a specific embodiment, it is anticipated that alterations andmodifications thereof will no doubt become apparent to those skilled inthe art. It is therefore intended that the following claims beinterpreted as covering all such alterations and modifications as fallwithin the true spirit and scope of the invention.

It is claimed that:
 1. A connector apparatus comprising: a connector forcoupling a tool to an excavator, said connector including (a) a base forattachment to said tool; (b) a first rod suspended in a fixed positionrelative to said base; (c) an adjustable rod assembly having (i) asecond rod; and (ii) adjustment apparatus for adjustably positioningsaid second rod a selected distance from said first rod.
 2. An apparatusas recited in claim 1 wherein said adjustment apparatus includes (a) afirst circular plate attached to a first end of said second rod at aposition off of a center of said circular plate; (b) a second circularplate coaxially disposed to said first circular plate and attached to asecond end of said second rod; and (c) plate support apparatus forrotatably mounting said first and second plates.
 3. An apparatus asrecited in claim 2 wherein said support apparatus includes (a) a firstsupport plate extending from said base and having a hole therethroughfor rotatably supporting said first circular plate; and (b) a secondsupport plate extending from said base and having a hole therethroughfor rotatably supporting said second circular plate.
 4. An apparatus asrecited in claim 3 wherein said support apparatus further includes (a)first side plate apparatus attached to said first support plate andcovering a portion of said hole in said first support plate so as toretain said first circular plate within said hole in said first supportplate; and (b) second side plate apparatus attached to said secondsupport plate and covering a portion of said hole in said second supportplate so as to retain said second circular plate within said hole insaid second support plate.
 5. An apparatus as recited in claim 4 wherein(a) said first and second circular plates each have at least one holetherethrough; and (b) said first and second side plate apparatus eachhave a plurality of holes therethrough and each said hole is positionedso as to be alignable with at least one of said at least one hole.
 6. Anapparatus as recited in claim 5 wherein said adjustment apparatusfurther includes first bolt apparatus for insertion through a selectedsaid hole in said first side plate apparatus and through an aligned saidhole in said first circular plate so as to restrain said first circularplate from rotation.
 7. An apparatus as recited in claim 6 wherein saidadjustment apparatus further includes second bolt apparatus forinsertion through a selected said hole in said second side plateapparatus and through an aligned said hole in said second circular plateso as to restrain said second circular plate from rotation.
 8. Anapparatus as recited in claim 1 wherein said adjustment apparatusincludes mounting apparatus for constraining said second rod to beadjustable about a pivot axis, so as said second rod is moved about saidfirst axis said distance from said first rod changes.
 9. An apparatus asrecited in claim 8 wherein said adjustment apparatus further includesaxial restraining apparatus for restraining said second rod frommovement in a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis of said secondrod.
 10. An apparatus as recited in claim 8 wherein said adjustmentapparatus further includes rotational restraining apparatus forrestraining said rod from movement about said pivot axis upon settingsaid second rod in a selected position.
 11. A tool for laying a sectionof pipe comprising: (a) a tool arm having a proximal end and a distalend, said arm for insertion in said section of pipe; (b) a lateralsupport extending from said proximal end, said support operational incooperation with said tool arm to provide a support structure defining aplane of support for standing said tool on a surface; (c) riserapparatus extending upward from said support structure to an upper endof said riser apparatus; (d) a connector attached to said riserapparatus for connecting said tool to a working end of an excavator armassembly, said connector including (i) a plate attached to said upperend of said riser apparatus, said plate oriented in a planesubstantially parallel to said plane of support of said supportstructure; (ii) first and second rods spaced apart and supported fromsaid plate apparatus by support apparatus; and (e) a laser positioningapparatus including a laser receiver configured to be mounted in a fixedposition relative to said tool, whereby said receiver can detect adirected laser beam to give an indication of vertical position of saidarm.
 12. An apparatus as recited in claim 11 wherein said laserpositioning apparatus further includes a laser transmitter fortransmitting said directed laser beam and configured for directing saidbeam along a line parallel to a desired line of axial direction of pipebeing laid in said trench.
 13. A tool for laying a section of pipecomprising: (a) a tool arm having a proximal end and a distal end, saidarm for insertion in said section of pipe; (b) a lateral supportextending from said proximal end, said support operational incooperation with said tool arm to provide a support structure defining aplane of support for standing said tool on a surface; (c) riserapparatus extending upward from said support structure to an upper endof said riser apparatus; (d) a connector attached to said riserapparatus for connecting said tool to a working end of an excavator armassembly, said connector including (i) a plate attached to said upperend of said riser apparatus, said plate oriented in a planesubstantially parallel to said plane of support of said supportstructure; (ii) first and second rods spaced apart and supported fromsaid plate apparatus by support apparatus; and (iii) control apparatusconfigured to allow an operator in an excavator cab to make connectionof an excavator arm to said coupler by remote control without leavingsaid cab.